President Bola Tinubu has reiterated the Economic Community of West African States' (ECOWAS) commitment to reintegrate Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso into the regional fold. Speaking at a meeting with ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff on Friday in Abuja, President Tinubu, also the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, emphasized the bloc’s determination to persuade these nations to return to constitutional governance.
"We are dedicated to enhancing security and defending constitutional government in our region," President Tinubu stated. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the departure of these member states but reaffirmed ECOWAS’s resolve to offer friendship and encouragement for their reintegration.
The President praised the defence chiefs for their dedication to regional stability and the protection of democratic values. "The solution to terrorism and other regional challenges lies in our collective efforts. The ECOWAS standby force must remain prepared, and we will continue investing in regional prosperity and opportunities," he added.
General Christopher Musa, Chairman of the ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff, reported that the meeting focused on addressing regional issues such as insurgency and unconstitutional government changes through collective action. Discussions also covered enhancing the military component of ECOWAS, including the standby force, and the deployment of 1,200 troops to Sierra Leone. The defence chiefs are also set to discuss funding and logistical support with ECOWAS finance ministers.
General Musa stressed the importance of balancing military efforts with effective governance to achieve long-term regional stability and pledged the defence chiefs' commitment to ensuring the security of West Africa.
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